Author: Staff Writer
South Africa’s minibus-taxi industry is a key part of the country’s economy, providing affordable, accessible mass transport. At the same time, the taxi fleet uses carbon-emitting internal combustion engines. Reducing South Africa’s environmental impact must consider the electrification of the minibus-taxi sector. However, this is a complex process, and electrification will introduce many challenges. A paper to be presented at the forthcoming Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) outlines some key considerations. The conference addresses the theme, ”Upskilling and reskilling the transport industry for current and future challenges”. The analysis of prospects for an electrified taxi industry underscores the importance of…
Shoprite has introduced an innovative digital solution for its Cash & Carry stores, marking the wholesale brand’s first venture into ecommerce. Bulk-buying customers can now browse and purchase a wide range of goods at highly competitive prices through a fully automated online shopping system, with free delivery within a 50km radius. Spaza shops and smaller retail businesses often face significant obstacles, including high transportation and fuel costs, and difficulties in meeting demand within the informal sector. Overstocking can also result in high carrying costs, increased risk of theft and cash flow challenges. “We are committed to supporting small businesses by…
There is an increase in phishing and smishing attempts aimed at loading debit and credit cards onto criminals’ digital wallets. Phishing is a type of cybercrime in which people are duped into providing sensitive information such as login credentials, passwords, PINs, card details, or ID numbers by using deceptive techniques such as fake emails and websites. Smishing is the use of text messages – apparently from reputable institutions – to trick people into disclosing similar information. Criminals have realised that the process of loading a debit or credit card onto a digital wallet is similar to the process of making…
On 17 January 2024, Datacentrix announced that Convergence Partners, through its Convergence Partners Digital Infrastructure Fund (Convergence), alongside the existing Datacentrix management team, entered into a definitive agreement with Alviva Holdings to acquire 100% of Datacentrix. The agreement was subject to the fulfilment of conditions and regulatory approval. Datacentrix is pleased to announce that all conditions precedent have been met. The Competition Commission and Independent Communications Authority of South Africa have unconditionally approved the transaction. “We are delighted to be part of Datacentrix, one of the leading system integrators in South Africa. We are excited to embark on this journey…
In recent times, few technological advancements have gripped the public imagination like artificial intelligence (AI). As this technology becomes more commonplace, it presents an opportunity for South African businesses to rethink their operations to enhance existing revenue streams – or even create new ones. The TCS AI for Business Global Study, a comprehensive report on the state of AI adoption and its impact, shows that 69% of businesses are more focused on using AI to spur innovation and increase revenue, than on productivity improvement and cost optimisation. Globally, a staggering 86% of top business leaders worldwide are already using AI…
The new OPPO Reno12 FS 5G has landed in South Africa, adding to its popular, highly stylish and accessible AI phone. The Reno12 FS 5G features a brand-new Cosmos Ring Design, a dynamic Halo Light, and a 120Hz Smart Adaptive Screen, all protected by the robust All-Round Armour. It impresses with its stylish design and solid build. As an AI Portrait Expert, OPPO Reno12 FS 5G not only takes the lead in enhancing creativity in photography with advanced AI features like AI Eraser 2.0 and Smart Image Matting 2.0, but it also boosts productivity with AI tools including AI Recording…
Absa today introduced Absa Pay, a secure, simple, and fast payment option for our customers in South Africa. This new service allows online purchases without the need to provide bank card details. Absa Pay enhances our suite of world-class digital payment solutions. This service uses a new Application Programming Interface (API) to facilitate direct and secure communication between the customer’s bank and the merchant, significantly reducing the risk of fraud. “We are excited to introduce this payment solution to approximately 3 million digitally active customers. This is a significant development in the right direction for the bank as we continue…
Payments infrastructure company Stitch today announced that it will partner with Absa, one of South Africa’s leading banks, to make the newly launched Absa Pay available to Stitch merchants. Stitch will offer all available direct bank APIs, including Absa Pay, Capitec Pay and Nedbank Direct API, as part of its broader Pay by bank solution. With this addition, customers of Absa will be able to make payments directly from their Absa account to any Stitch merchant that integrates Absa Pay. Pay by bank is the fastest-growing payment method in South Africa, with rising demand from consumers due to its seamless…
Global technology brand HONOR has announced that the all-new HONOR 200 Lite 5G is now available for purchase in South African stores. Colour, Pricing and Availability The HONOR 200 Lite 5G is now available at your nearest retailer or network provider in two colours: Starry Blue and Midnight Black, and will retail for the recommended price of R9,999. All purchases will come with free gifts to the value of R2,499, including an HONOR SuperCharger plus cable and screen protector in the box, free postal repair pickup and delivery service, 3-year battery health protection and a 180-day screen accident warranty excluding…
TelCables Southern Africa, a subsidiary of Angola Cables, a global ICT solutions and services provider has upgraded its backbone network infrastructure to accommodate the rapidly growing data traffic across its network and to provide faster, more secure connectivity. Mahen Naidu, Head of Business Solutions at TelCables South Africa said that the improvements to the network will give local internet service providers, content delivery networks as well as African and international operators increased flexibility, scalability, and capacity to better manage their individual needs and requirements in terms of IP connectivity and services. “We have experienced double-digit growth in traffic over our…
Huawei is attending MWC Shanghai 2024 under the banner of “Advancing the Intelligent World” and offering “Commercial 5G-A Experience Tours”. At its booth in SNIEC Hall N1, Huawei is showcasing its latest products and solutions that support both commercial 5G-A deployment and AI devices required for the mobile AI era. Huawei has also announced that it has successfully reached six separate consensuses with pioneering 5G-A operators from around the world, and launched a joint initiative for high-quality mobile video development in the AI era alongside global operators, industry customers, and other relevant organizations. Over the next three days, Huawei is…
Only 10% of South Africans are reported to have life insurance in the FSCA’s 2022 Financial Sector Outlook Study. This is a concerning drop from the 12% reported in 2019, likely due to SA’s tough economy, challenging life cover application processes and continued complexity of life cover products. Capitec, South Africa’s digital bank, has launched Capitec Life Cover, a life cover solution that is “more affordable, transparent and simple, offering a quick and easy application process, three different payout types, and premiums that don’t increase annually”. Gerrie Fourie, CEO of Capitec, says Capitec wants to break the barriers, enabling more…
Global technology brand HONOR is known for being at the forefront of smartphone innovation. It is days away from launching the latest addition to the N series – the HONOR 200 Lite 5G. But, when it comes to the launch of a new device – while it is met with excitement and enthusiasm, it is also met with scepticism from a few consumers. The main questions that get asked are: “What makes this different from the previous generation?” “Is there really a difference, or are we just paying more for the same device?” “Are there even any new features?” Multiple…
Volvo Car South Africa is pleased to report that the new Volvo EX30 is already proving exceptionally popular with local buyers, having accounted for almost a third of total electric vehicle (EV) sales in the country over the first four months of 2024, while also claiming the title of SA’s best-selling electric car. Over the same period, the Volvo brand boasted a remarkable 46% share of the overall EV market in South Africa, thanks to the astonishing sales performance of the EX30 – which, starting at just R775 900, is one of the country’s most accessible fully electric cars – as…
Today at MWC Shanghai, Frore Systems introduced the latest innovation in thermal management technology: the waterproof AirJetMini Sport. Building on the success of its pioneering AirJet Mini, the World’s first solid-state active cooling chip, Frore Systems has enhanced the capabilities of its innovative solid-state active cooling chip to support devices with industry’s highest IP68 waterproof rating. In addition to its waterproof capabilities, AirJet Mini Sport retains all the intelligent features of the AirJet Mini Slim including dust resilience with self-cleaning, and thermoception. The AirJetMini Sport weighs only 7 grams, is just 2.5mm thick with a tiny 27.5mm x 41.5mm footprint,…
Mpilo Technologies today announced its new status as an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Select Partner, marking a significant milestone in the company’s mission to transform Africa’s technological landscape. This partnership comes as a pivotal moment in Africa’s journey towards becoming a major player in the global digital economy. The global perception of Africa often underscores the continent’s challenges, portraying it as a late entrant in the international economic arena. However, Mpilo Technologies’ executive team is steadfast in their commitment to changing this narrative. They see the advent of public cloud technologies like AWS as a unique opportunity to redefine Africa’s…
Breakthrough developments in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have sparked conversations about how it will impact society. There is optimism about what can soon be unlocked with AI: from image and data analysis that enables self-driving vehicles, to helping doctors speed up diagnosis and treatment for their patients. AI holds boundless potential for positive change. This sentiment was reflected and distilled by speakers at the fifth edition of Huawei’s ICT Editors Exchange. Stakeholders from the media came together with leading Huawei experts and youth advocates within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, under the theme of AI for Humanity: Innovating…
With the HONOR 200 Lite 5G just days away from being available in South African stores, there has never been a better time to consider a smartphone upgrade than now. HONOR’s latest smartphone offers some truly intelligent features that are designed to make your smartphone experience more immersive, especially for budget conscious technology enthusiasts. From stunning photography capabilities, AI features, display and durable design, the HONOR 200 Lite 5G ticks all the right boxes when it comes to a stellar smartphone upgrade. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider it. Durable Yet Beautiful Design to Always Stand Out No…
As South Africa braces for winter, Sungrow renews its dedication to delivering reliable and sustainable energy solutions along with top-notch aftersales services. With a well-established product lineup trusted by the market, Sungrow is prepared to help households across the country achieve energy independence. Sungrow’s residential solutions are designed to meet backup needs at every stage of load shedding, ensuring a continuous power supply when it’s needed most. These solutions are optimised to enhance PV investments, offering seamless transitions and noise-free operation, thereby providing a superior power usage experience for South African homes. “Our mission at Sungrow is to empower every…
The Media Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) today announced the opening of the Discretionary Grant application window for the 2025/26 financial year. “We invite all eligible stakeholders within the Media, Information and Communication Technologies sub-sectors to apply for funding aimed at addressing sectoral skills needs as outlined in the Sector Skills Plan (SSP), Strategic Plan, and the National Skills Development Plan,” MICT SETA said in a statement. The Discretionary Grant is designed to fund programmes and projects that enhance the supply of qualified individuals for scarce and critical skills, support enterprise development, and provide…
Transnet SOC Limited (Transnet), through its division Transnet Pipelines, is responsible for transporting crude oil from Durban to the Natref refinery in Sasolburg. This refinery is co-owned by Sasol Oil (Pty) Ltd (Sasol Oil) and TotalEnergies Marketing (Pty) Ltd (TotalEnergies), holding 63.64% and 36.36% shares respectively. In 2017, Sasol Oil initiated legal action against Transnet, following TotalEnergies’ lead, due to Transnet’s failure to set pipeline tariffs in accordance with a 1991 agreement. This breach resulted in Transnet overcharging Sasol Oil for crude oil transportation over several years. The legal battle has spanned multiple courts, including the High Court, Supreme Court…
The highly anticipated fourth-generation BMW X3 manufactured in South Africa affirms the BMW Group’s commitment to electrification. Delivered also with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the global best-seller embarks on a new era. The BMW X3 30e xDrive will be produced at the iconic BMW Group Plant Rosslyn for worldwide export. Last year, BMW Group South Africa announced the BMW Group’s R4.2 investment in the electrification and digitalisation of the plant. The infrastructural upgrade represents the largest in the plant’s history. It secures BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s future as well as the livelihoods of over 20,000 direct and indirect employees, reflecting…
Each July, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) hosts Wimbledon, the premier tournament in tennis. For over three decades, IBM has collaborated with the Club to enhance The Championships’ coverage and engage fans through detailed data-driven insights. This year, IBM’S watsonx, an enterprise-ready generative AI platform, will help tell some of the tournament’s most compelling stories. IBM and the AELTC have announced a new digital feature for Wimbledon that leverages match data and generative AI from IBM’s watsonx platform to keep fans updated on top players as they progress through The Championships. The new ‘Catch Me Up’ feature offers…
May 2024 wasn’t the best month for new or used car sales in South Africa, with both markets declining by over -10%. According to used car sales data released by AutoTrader, the used car market – at 27,729 units in May 2024 – declined by -10.5% versus the 30,977 used cars sold in May 2023. On the other hand, naamsa | The Automotive Business Council revealed that the new passenger car market – at 24,367 in May 2024 – registered a decrease of 3,212 cars, or a decline of -11.7%, compared to the 27,579 new cars sold in May 2023.…
Seeds for the Future, Huawei’s globally-recognised CSR flagship programme is now open for 2024 applications in South Africa. The annual programme provides training opportunities for outstanding students, including a cross-cultural exchange and advanced training in technologies such as 5G, Cloud, AI and IoT. This year 15 South African students will be chosen and will be welcomed back to China for the first time since the Covid 19 pandemic. “We are excited to once again be hosting outstanding tertiary students studying ICT-related subjects back in China this year,” says Charles Cheng, Huawei South Africa’s deputy CEO. “This is a unique opportunity…